Managers liable for HR breaches

The Fair Work Ombudsman has warned human resources managers they
could be held personally liable for breaches of Australia workplace
laws by their employer.

In a speech to HR managers the Fair Work Ombudsman said "If any
of you have ever had trouble persuading your board or your CEO of
the merits of your advice, I'm here to give you the new pitch -
compliance with workplace laws is not simply a question of tick and
flick."

"If its sitting at the green light end of a risk matrix, you may
want to consider what assurance you have put in place, not just
with respect to the company's workers, but with respect to its
labour supply chains. Who's emptying the bins or staffing the
counter downstairs? Are you sure they are being paid
correctly?"

"Those involved in the decision making around the strategy for
and compliance with workplace laws are on notice. You can find
yourselves personally liable for the actions or inactions you help
the company take."

Highlighting increased penalties against employers proposed by
the government, the Fair Work Ombudsman said the regulator took a
"dim view of deliberate, systemic, exploitive or opportunistic non
compliance."

"Just like employers, we expect advisers to take their
responsibilities seriously."

"If you know that your employer is running two sets of books or
keeping false records or not paying employees their full
entitlements, know that the new higher penalties may soon extend to
them, and to you."